White colored pencils can add highlights, accents, and brightness to artwork and coloring pages. With so many options on the market, how do you determine which white pencil is right for your needs? In this guide, we will compare the most popular white colored pencil brands and products to help you decide which is the best choice for your artistic projects.
Factors to Consider When Choosing White Colored Pencils
Here are some key factors to keep in mind when evaluating white colored pencils:
- Pigment and opacity – The best white pencils contain a highly opaque pigment that completely covers and blocks out what’s underneath. Titianium dioxide and calcium carbonate are common pigments used.
- Wax-based or oil-based – Wax-based pencils are easier to sharpen and control. Oil-based pencils blend better but can be messier in application.
- Softness – Softer leads apply more opaque coverage, while harder leads allow finer details and resist crumbling.
- Lightfastness – Lightfastness indicates how resistant the color is to fading over time. Look for a rating of I or II for maximum permanence.
- Price – Inexpensive student grade pencils may contain lower quality pigments. Artist quality pencils command higher prices but offer better performance.
Top White Colored Pencil Options
Based on performance, popularity, and overall value, here are the top choices for white colored pencils:
1. Faber-Castell Polychromos
The Faber-Castell Polychromos are a premium artist-grade wax-based pencil prized for their vivid colors and smooth, blendable texture. The titanium dioxide-based Polychromos white has excellent opacity and coverage. It glides on smoothly and resists crumbling. With a softness grade of 2, it offers great balance between control and coverage. Polychromos are rated lightfast I, retain rich hues over time, and have strong color intensity. They’re a beloved choice of professional artists and hobbyists alike.
2. Prismacolor Premier
Another soft wax-based pencil popular with artists are Prismacolor Premier pencils. Their bright white contains calcium carbonate and kaolin clay pigments that provide opaque coverage ideal for coloring book pages or mixed media art. Softer leads (grade 2-4) lay down thick, vibrant coverage. The white is smooth and easy to sharpen. Prismacolor pencils are rated lightfast I or II for permanence. The blendable texture makes it easy to transition from dark to light values. They’re a high quality pencil while being more affordable than other artist brands.
3. Derwent Drawing
For those wanting good performance on a budget, Derwent Drawing pencils offer strong value. Their titanium dioxide white has nice opacity at a student grade price point. The firmer leads (grade 4) allow for detailed highlights and resist crumbling more than soft pencils. While not as buttery as artist brands, they sharpen easily and blend decently. Derwent Drawing pencils are lightfastness rated I or II for fade resistance. They’re ideal for beginning artists or casual coloring.
4. Caran d’Ache Pablo
The Swiss brand Caran d’Ache makes the Pablo line of premium wax pencils with vivid, lightfast colors. The Pablo white is nearly indistinguishable on paper from the Polychromos white, with the same softness, high opacity, and smooth feel. The white offers excellent coverage and intensity. Oil-based Pablo pencils have a slightly more vibrant, waxy look than Polychromos. They’re ideal for pop-art drawing techniques and bold, graphic looks. Pablo pencils are favored for their instantly recognizable color quality.
5. Cretacolor Marino
For an oil-based alternative, Cretacolor Marino pencils provide rich, dense color. The opaque white contains titanium dioxide pigment suspended in safflower oil. Oil-based pencils blend seamlessly without “burnishing” the paper. Marino white glides on thick and smooth. Softer leads (2B-4B) give intense coverage. The pencils have a distinct waxy bloom and lush feel. Marino white has noticeably higher opacity than wax pencils. The oil formula allows unparalled blending effects. Marino pencils are rated lightfast I or II for permanence.
How to Choose the Best White Colored Pencil
When selecting a white colored pencil, first consider your skill level and budget. Beginners on a budget will be happy with a student grade pencil like Derwent Drawing. Intermediate artists ready to invest in quality will appreciate Prismacolor Premier or Faber-Castell Polychromos.
Next, decide if you prefer wax or oil-based. Wax pencils like Polychromos allow more control and details. Oil-based pencils like Cretacolor Marino offer superior blending and intensity. Also, determine the lead softness you want. Softer leads around 2B lay down more opaque coverage, while 4H leads allow finer lines without crumbling.
Look for lightfastness I or II to ensure permanence of colors over time. Compare swatches in person when possible. Whites should completely block out color underneath. Higher pigment concentration creates better opacity. Finally, make sure the pencil has good reviews for performance and ease of use from other artists.
Tips for Using White Colored Pencils
Here are some tips for getting the most out of white colored pencils for your projects:
- Sharpen pencils frequently for the best coverage and most precise lines.
- Use light pressure and build up opacity slowly in layers for a smooth gradient.
- Blend with colorless blender pencils to soften edges and transition between shades.
- Burnishing with a tissue gives a smooth, shiny surface.
- Add white last, on top of other colors, for best results.
- Keep sharpened white pencils handy for small details and highlights.
- Outline designs in white pencil first before filling in with colors.
- Complement white with light tints like cream, ivory, and pale gray.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are white colored pencils transparent or opaque?
Quality white pencils contain opaque pigments that completely block out and cover colors underneath. Student grade pencils may be more transparent. Swatch test pencils to ensure they provide full coverage.
2. Should I choose wax or oil-based white pencils?
Wax pencils like Polychromos allow sharper details and easier control. Oil-based pencils like Cretacolor Marino offer richer blending and intensity. Choose your preferred texture and handling.
3. How do I prevent white pencils from smearing?
Avoid overblending white pencils which can cause smearing. Let layers dry between applications. Fix pencil drawings with a workable art spray or transparent fixative once finished.
4. Can white colored pencils be used in place of acrylic paint?
White pencils can achieve similar opacity and texture as white acrylic paint. Build up layers for an impasto 3D effect. They allow more precision than paint. However, acrylics give a brighter, more vivid white. Use pencils for detail and acrylic for large backgrounds.
5. Should I choose soft or hard white pencil leads?
Softer 2B-4B leads provide dense, opaque coverage. Harder HB-4H leads allow fine details and precision without crumbling easily. Choose softer leads for larger areas and backgrounds. Use harder leads for white highlights and lines.
Conclusion
When selecting the best white colored pencil, artist favorites like Faber-Castell Polychromos and Prismacolor Premier provide vibrant opaque coverage and smooth application. For finer control, wax-based pencils excel. To achieve luminous blending effects, try oil-based pencils like Caran d’Ache Pablo or Cretacolor Marino. Compare the pigment concentration, lightfastness rating, softness, and price to find the right white pencil to suit your artistic needs and style.
Sharpen pencils frequently and build up opacity slowly in layers for best results. White pencils open up new highlights, textures, and dimensions for your colored pencil art. Add these versatile pencils to your supplies to create eye-catching effects. With the range of quality options now available, you’re sure to discover your perfect white pencil match.